Tarantula was hard to see Sunday, August 3, 2008

It was the end of May and still cool enough to be working outside. I decided to move a few rocks on my lot next door. I turned over a fairly large rock when something moved by my hand. I was surprised to see a tarantula wolf spider (lycosa tarantula). After running for my camera and getting my heart back to a normal rhythm. I watched and took pictures as it crept quickly among the leaves. I learned he has good eyesight (you can hunt them at night by shining a light along the ground because the light reflects off his six eyes) and mostly afraid of big animals (humans). He is an agile hunter patrolling the area for harmful insects. Go get them big boy.

Watch out for Black Widow Spiders Sunday, August 3, 2008

Written by George Lauster: This is a black widow spider found in a North Little Rock backyard this afternoon. Known to occur in Arkansas, this one was found next to a raised garden bed, and appears to be large, perhaps with eggs. It was found during my niece’s birthday party by her 8 year old cousin. What I have learned from this is that it might be handy here in Arkansas to have a few observant kids check out the yard before a party.